Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 68/100 (GOOD)

2022 BMW 5 Series Reliability Report

The 2022 BMW 5-Series has good reliability, but owners report sudden power loss and a side airbag failure in a crash.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

6.2per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$968

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,450–$4,050

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact68/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity78/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Mid-pack among 5-Series years, with fewer complaints and recalls than 2021 but more than 2023, and owner reports of sudden power loss.

Top Issues to Watch

POWER TRAIN (2)
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
AIR BAGS (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2022 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.

Year 6 in the Seventh generation (G30) (2017–2023).
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
7th generation 5 Series (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2017: Seventh generation (G30) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2022: This Model Year

2022 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2022 BMW 5 Series?

Good reliability makes this a reasonable used buy, with caveats. Against other 2022 sedans it comes out close to average, and it sits in the middle of the 5-Series years. The 2021 and 2023 rate about the same. Owners filed 13 complaints, versus 21 for 2021 and 7 for 2023.

The complaints that matter involve safety systems and sudden power loss. In one side-impact crash, the side airbags did not deploy and both occupants were hurt, with no warning light beforehand. Other owners report the car losing power at 50 to 60 mph, with "Reduced Power" messages. One dealer could not find the cause after two tows. Parking sensors and the backup camera can also drop out. Federal recall records list 3 recalls, one of them a park-outside fire risk.

Ask for recall completion records, especially for the fire risk one. Test the backup camera and parking sensors, and ask about any dealer visits for power loss.

Compared to the 2023 BMW 5 Series, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2021 BMW 5 Series for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
+Well-established generation
+Only 13 complaints reported

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Glass roof can shatter suddenly while driving, with no visible chip or crack... (3 complaints)
−AIR BAGS issues reported (2 complaints)
−Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2022 BMW 5 Series With

2022 Volvo S90

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2022 Lexus ES

Reliability: 88/100

Excellent

2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Reliability: 53/100

Mixed

2022 Volvo S60

Reliability: 70/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
POWER TRAIN (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park Outside

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2022 BMW 5 Series. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.2

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.8

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 BMW 5 Series Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2022 BMW 5 Series. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V0560002026-01-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

Consequence

Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.

25V6360002025-09-23Park Outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Consequence

A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.

22V0700002022-02-09

POWER TRAIN

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 330i, 530i, X3 xDrive30i, and X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.

Consequence

An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge. All of the vehicle population for this recall have been repaired. Owner notification letters were not mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2022 BMW 5 Series? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 BMW 5 Series, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2022 BMW 5 Series NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

BMW 5 SeriesRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$968

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2022 BMW 5 Series Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement	$161 – $354
Hood Release Cable Replacement	$257 – $331
Window Regulator Replacement	$644 – $773
Brake Light Switch Replacement	$121 – $157
Body Control Module Replacement	$724 – $817
Fuel Level Sending Unit Replacement	$1,780 – $1,845
Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement	$237 – $279
Powertrain Control Module Replacement	$544 – $594
Heater Core Replacement	$1,741 – $2,421
Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement	$800 – $870

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

17–28 MPG

Running cost: $3,400–$5,000/yr

Fuel + repair

15–25 city / 21–33 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

25–27 MPG

Running cost: $3,500–$3,700/yr

Fuel + repair

22–25 city / 28–32 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
530i Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	25	33	28	$2,450
530i xDrive Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	23	32	26	$2,650
M550i xDrive Sedan 4.4L 8-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	17	25	20	$3,450
M5 Competition Sedan 4.4L 8-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	15	21	17	$4,050
M5 CS Sedan 4.4L 8-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	15	21	17	$4,050
M5 Sedan 4.4L 8-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	15	21	17	$4,050

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
530e Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	24	29	26	$2,650
530e xDrive Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	22	28	25	$2,750

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 BMW 5 Series.

Inspect the glass roof closely for chips, cracks, or replacement glass, and ask whether it has ever shattered.
Run the heat and air conditioning on a 530e and listen for a high-pitched whine from the compressor.
Run the VIN for open recalls, especially transmission recalls on the 530i.
Drive on a busy road and watch for jerking, "Drive Train Malfunction," or "Reduced Power" messages.
Ask for service records showing repeat tows or unresolved drivetrain diagnostics at the dealer.
Check the dashboard for a Passenger Restraint service message, with someone sitting in the passenger seat.
Back toward a wall and test every parking sensor and the backup camera for alerts and a clear image.
Reverse out of a parking space with traffic passing and confirm the cross-traffic alert actually warns you.

2022 BMW 5 Series Common Problems by Component

13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)POWER TRAIN (2)BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)AIR BAGS (2)LANE DEPARTURE (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

The glass roof can shatter suddenly while driving, with no visible chip or crack beforehand. Because the roof glass is not laminated, fragments fly into the cabin, and this category includes 2 injuries. Other reports cover a 530i that jerks forward with no dashboard warning, which the owner links to a transmission recall. A 530e makes a loud, high-pitched whine when the heat or air conditioning runs, traced to a failing AC compressor. That compressor also cools the high-voltage battery, so a failure risks battery overheating and metal debris spreading through the system.

3 complaints total2 injuries

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

The car loses motive power without warning, sometimes at 50-60 mph, leaving the driver coasting in live traffic. Dashboard messages read "Drive Train Malfunction" and "Reduced Power." Reports involve both the 530i and 540i. In one case the failure recurs after restarting, and the dealer cannot find the cause even after the car is towed in twice. Another failure follows a long cold-weather park. The main risk is a sudden stall while merging or crossing a busy road.

2 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Parking sensors and the backup camera stop working, then sometimes start working again on their own. When the system is down, the car gives no warning when backing toward a wall or parked car. One dealer blamed a barely visible chip on a front sensor and offered no explanation for the camera failure. The rear cross-traffic alert also fails to warn of approaching vehicles and only reacts to objects directly behind the car. A dealer confirmed the settings were correct, and no fix is reported.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Side airbags fail to deploy in a side-impact crash where the rear passenger door is struck, and both occupants are hurt, one knocked unconscious. No warning light or message appeared before the crash. A separate report describes a Passenger Restraint service message, possibly tied to the seat or floor occupant sensor, and the owner describes it as a common complaint on owner forums. The complaints are few, but they include one crash and 2 injuries.

2 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

2025-05-01

Sensors around vehicle are faulty and break and/or become dysfunctional very easily. Improper and/or no warning provides false sense of security or danger. BMW is requesting customers pay to address the faulty product sensors. Service representative informed me that it is a known issue but the manufacturer has yet to deal with the problem. Vehicle has only 20K miles on it and in perfect condition besides these faulty sensors.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2024-03-29

Vehicle continues to take over randomly when no vehicle, object, pedestrian or other item is on the road ahead of the hood. This persistent problem has been reported to the manufacturer and BMW dealerships on no less than (6) occasions – BMW advises the vehicle performs normally which isn't the case. ADAS/AEB takes over for no apparent reason, randomly, sometimes a few times per month, other times a few months apart – depending on speed at which the vehicle is traveling, the incident causes soft tissue injuries as was again the case on Friday, (XXX] when vehicle came to an abrupt stop when no vehicle, object, pedestrian or other item was on the road ahead of me as I was traveling southbound around 20mph on [XXX] around [XXX] (weather was sunny, road was dry). I suffered whiplash injuries which was confirmed later in the afternoon by Cedars Sinai hospital group in Beverly Hills, CA. BMW and their dealerships refuse to acknowledge the ADAS/AEB is faulty and continues to deny my safety documented concern which has led my vehicle to be serviced for more than 100 days since taking delivery in 2022, to no avail. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

2023-02-011 injury

Vehicle randomly and erroneously triggers forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking at different speeds when no car or pedestrian is present on the road and the danger of an imminent collision is actually null. This has happened around 5 times in a year of ownership. Last time this event occurred, the car was traveling around 35 to 40mph which resulted in my getting whiplash (and nearly rear-ended) when the car applied what felt like its full braking power when no one was on the road, the weather was clear and no imminent danger was ahead. No error message ever appeared anywhere on the dash. Brought the vehicle in for service and was advised that the dealer cannot reproduce the issue and that nothing is wrong with the vehicle since no error code is found in the on-board computer. I have since been unwilling to drive my vehicle for extended periods of time for fear of injury to myself, passengers, pet or other road-users.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaintSafety-related

2023-02-03Crash reported1 injury

On Feb.3, 2023, my wife made a turn into a parking lot. She was driving our 2022 BMW 540. She paused and the engine began to rev up. It then shot forward nearly 50 feet and hurled her over a meridian into another car. She pressed as hard as she could on the brake and suffered a torn meniscus ligament. There were no warning lights and although the car hit front right, no airbags were executed. BMW has not sent an official detailed report from their engineer. BMW advertises brake override so pressing both the brake and accelerator would NOT result in this event.

Best & Worst BMW 5 Series Years

Best BMW 5 Series Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2023

2Recalls

7Complaints

Good

2022

(Current Model)

3Recalls

13Complaints

Good

BMW 5 Series Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

BMW 5 Series reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	59/100	Mixed
2019	62/100	Good
2020	67/100	Good
2021	66/100	Good
2022	68/100	Good
2023	70/100	Good
2025	71/100	Good
2026	71/100	Good

BMW 5 Series Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	71/100	0	Good	1	0
2025	71/100	+1	Good	5	0
2023	70/100	+2	Good	2	7
2022(selected)	68/100	+2	Good	3	13
2021	66/100	-1	Good	8	21
2020	67/100	+5	Good	7	10
2019	62/100	+3	Good	11	67
2018	59/100	—	Mixed	17	212

2022 BMW 5 Series Common Questions

10 questions from 2022 BMW 5 Series owners.

Ignition trouble

If i replace the ignition switch does that include the cylinder tumbler in it,it was thought possibly the cylinder tumbler might need replacing since key will only turn just a little A few days

VisitorJan 22, 2026

When turning key car wont start or click on solenoid.

1996 BMW Z3. Is there a relay that controls the starter? all fuses are fine. I replaced the starter and car still wont start or click! Car won't start More than a week

VisitorJan 15, 2026

Crank no start

I started my car the other morning and it was about 29° outside. When I started it there was a loud pop under the hood. The car kept running so I drove it about 40 miles. Later that afternoon I went to leave and it would crank but no start I went and bought a battery and it started so I went back home. It's been 3 weeks and it still won't start. Now it's a slow rough crank with no start More than a week

VisitorJan 4, 2026

2006 BMW X3 3.0i Coolant leak

Coolant leak-even when car is not running. Have replaced the coolant reservoir, the mounting plate for the reservoir and radiator, the heater control valve and the oil cooler have been replaced. It’s still just dousing the coolant out. Not a drop leak more consistent stream. I’m at a loss for what to do. Leaks regardless of engine on or off A few days

VisitorNov 11, 2025

Oil leaking

When driving car smokes on and off I was told it could be valve cover gasket it gas been sitting for 2 months and now is hard to start More than a month

VisitorOct 22, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 BMW 5-Series reliable?

Yes, it has good reliability. It rates close to average among 2022 sedans and sits in the middle of the 5-Series years. Owners filed 13 complaints, and federal records show 3 recalls. The main concerns are sudden power loss, parking sensor and camera dropouts, and one side airbag failure.

What are the most common problems with the 2022 BMW 5-Series?

Owner complaints cluster in three areas: air bags, power train, and back over prevention. Each has 2 complaints. They cover side airbags not deploying, the car losing power while driving, and parking sensors or the backup camera cutting out. Numbers are small, but several reports involve safety.

Does the 2022 BMW 5-Series lose power while driving?

Some owners say it does. Reports describe losing motive power without warning, sometimes at 50 to 60 mph, with "Drive Train Malfunction" and "Reduced Power" messages. Both the 530i and 540i are named. One failure came back after restarting, and the dealer found no cause after two tows.

Does the 2022 BMW 5-Series have recalls?

Yes. Federal recall records list 3 for this year: two in the electrical system and one in the power train. One is a park-outside fire risk recall. Ask the seller for proof that every recall repair was completed, or check with a BMW dealer.

Is the 2022 BMW 5-Series better than the 2021 or 2023?

All three rate about the same, with good reliability. The 2022 falls between them on paper: 13 complaints and 3 recalls, versus 21 complaints and 8 recalls for 2021, and 7 complaints and 2 recalls for 2023. The 2021 has the heaviest record of the three.

Don’t buy a 2022 BMW 5 Series without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2022 BMW 5 Series

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 BMW 5 Series does best on how many systems draw complaints (78/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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